First off, how do I upload a sketchup document so you all can pull it up and view it? I will post it in the next post as soon as I figure it out so this will all make sense..
Ok, I'm getting ready to undertake my first serious tent making project. I have it all drawn up in sketchup, but I would love to get some input on what you guys all think and get some suggestiong that you think might improve the concept. It is drawn in skethup to exact scale of where I want it to be and will allow me to use the 65" width of the silnylon I'm utilizing. I am not experienced enough with sketchup to be able to illustate zippers and such, so here is a basic explanation while you are looking at it. I chose to have one side of the tent longer, thereby decreasing the angle that the wind would hit it, making it more stable, it also utilized increase head room in the area where you would naturally be sitting up in bed. The design shows one door fully closed, and the other door fully opened with trekking poles holding up the "awning." The awning side also illustrate the porch that would be sewed on one side and likely velcroed (?? best option) on the other, thereby closing the gap between the two awnings, allowing you to cook under it in rainy conditions. This awning closure would be rolled up behind the zipper when not in use. Also on this side is the L shaped zipper for the door. There are obviously two doors on this tent, but I just have the one side showing opened for illustration purposes. There would be elastic going out to the four tie out points to make the bathtub floor, similar to the lunar series (six moons designs). I have tried to incorporate the positives of the best ultralight tents and combine them. A couple questions I still need to figure out: What is the best way to reinforce the pole area to be sure I don't poke a hole through the silnylon when I pitch it? What other improvements can you see, or possible weak points that need to be addressed.
It would be awesome to see this with a textile app to see where the stress points are and how the drape would look.. Anyway, if this is in the wrong place please feel free to move wherever you think is appropriate.
As a side note: everybody in this community is great. I have been reading on this forum for over 2 years now and I think this is my first post, so I will be sure to include more of my insights as time goes on! Thanks for all of the motivation and great ideas you all have!
